Undergraduate - CourseBachelor of Nursing

This course entry applies to students commencing this course in 2015 and should be read in conjunction with information provided in the 'Faculty information' section of this Handbook by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Unit codes that are not linked to their entry in the Handbook are not available for study in the current year.

Description

This course prepares graduates for increasingly complex health care situations in Australia and internationally. Graduates will possess attributes that prepare them as competent beginning-level registered nurses who can provide leadership and care across the age continuum, and have the scope of practice to provide care in multiple settings, including acute care, primary health care and health promotion.

Students will incrementally develop knowledge for the safe practice of clinical skills in a variety of health care facilities and services over the course of their studies, and develop a broad range of knowledge in relevant disciplines, enabling them to critically analyse health care situations, concepts and perspectives.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that graduates will be able to:

meet currently accepted standards of nursing practice as set down in the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Council (ANMC) National Competencies for the registered nurse

provide holistic nursing care as a first-level practitioner in a variety of health care settings compatible with the broad health care needs and goals of Australia's multi-cultural society

encompass caring as a foundational concept for nursing practice

demonstrate effective communication in the health care setting

practice safely and maintain legal and ethical standards of practice

identify the health care needs and problems of individuals and groups of people in a variety of settings

set priorities in respect of health care needs and problems and make referrals when appropriate

plan, implement and evaluate care activities which encourage individuals and groups to achieve independence or self-help in achieving and maintaining optimal levels of health

demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of political, historical, cultural, social and professional forces which have influenced nursing in the past, and which provide the potential for change within nursing

This policy, and the associated procedures require that students have certain specified vaccinations, and have their blood borne virus status determined, before they commence a clinical placement. Students who have not complied with this policy may not be able to undertake clinical placement, with the attendant academic consequences.

Prospective students are provided detailed information on the effect of blood borne virus infection on the scope of practice of health care workers. Students who test positive to a blood borne virus (including HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C) will be required to consult a specialist medical practitioner approved by the faculty to provide advice on any necessary restrictions on work practices to protect patients and others from infection.

Drug Administration Policy

Students should be aware of their legal responsibilities regarding the administration and storage of drugs in keeping with the Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) and the Drugs Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2006 (Vic). The School of Nursing and Midwifery have formulated a policy and students should be aware of the drug administration policy relevant to their particular year of study. Refer to the faculty's clinical guidelinesclinical guidelines (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/nursing/current.html) webpage

Fieldwork

Clinical practice units

This course requires students to undertake off-campus clinical placements. In the clinical setting students will have an opportunity to apply theory to practice under supervision. Attendance is mandatory for the clinical component of each unit. All students in this course will be required to attend a variety of clinical placements. Travel to metropolitan and rural sites may be required. Clinical experience makes up approximately 50 per cent of the Bachelor of Nursing course. Clinical placements begin in the first year of the degree and will increase in duration and complexity as the student progresses.

Generally speaking, students on clinical experience will take on shift work, including weekend shifts and night duty, and work a supervised, unpaid 40 hour week. Make-up for time missed will be arranged in consultation with the clinical coordinator and unit coordinator on receipt of a medical certificate or other acceptable documentation.

A student may be denied access to or be withdrawn from a clinical practicum if required skills and knowledge are deemed inadequate, or on other grounds deemed appropriate by the head of school.

Clinical expenses

Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses related to clinical placements. Uniforms and accessories are required for clinical placements and students will be notified regarding purchase arrangements upon commencement.

Professional recognition

Successful completion of the course will lead to eligibility for registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia

Structure

This course consists of 20 compulsory units comprising 18 core units, many of which have clinical practice requirements, and two health-related electives.

Semester two

Suitable elective units can be identified using the browse units toolbrowse units tool (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search) in the current edition of the Handbook. Note: Some units may require permission from the owning faculty. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3.